Period Calculator — Next Period Date & Fertile Window

Predict your next period date, fertile window, and ovulation day for the next 6 months. Based on your last period date and average cycle length. Accurate menstrual cycle tracking for period prediction, family planning, and cycle awareness. Free, instant, private — no sign-up needed.

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Menstrual Cycle Calculator

Next period, fertile window & ovulation — 6-month forecast

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Next Period Starts
Enter your last period date above
Days Until Next Period
Next Ovulation Day
Fertile Window
Current Cycle Day

Period Calculator: Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle and Predicting Your Next Period

The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, but research from the Apple Women's Health Study (one of the largest US menstrual health studies, with data from over 60,000 participants) shows that only 13% of cycles are exactly 28 days. The normal range is 21–35 days with a period duration of 2–7 days. Cycle length can vary by up to 9 days from month to month even in otherwise healthy women — making accurate tracking important. Ovulation typically occurs 12–16 days before your next period (not 14 days after your last period as commonly stated) — this is why the "fertile window" shifts for women with longer or shorter cycles.

Period tracking provides valuable health insights beyond family planning. Irregular periods (outside the 21–35 day range or varying by more than 9 days) can indicate conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), thyroid dysfunction, perimenopause, or high stress levels — all of which warrant evaluation by a healthcare provider. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists considers the menstrual cycle a "vital sign" — as important as blood pressure for evaluating reproductive and overall health. Apps and calculators like this one support cycle awareness but are not a substitute for contraception — typical use effectiveness of the fertility awareness method is 76–88%.

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Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

Menstrual phase (days 1–5): uterine lining sheds. Follicular phase (days 1–13): estrogen rises, follicles develop. Ovulation (day 14 avg): egg released from dominant follicle. Luteal phase (days 15–28): progesterone rises to prepare for potential implantation, then drops triggering next period if no pregnancy occurs.

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Fertile Window Explained

Sperm survive 3–5 days in the female reproductive tract. An egg is viable for 12–24 hours after release. The fertile window is therefore 5–6 days before ovulation through the day of ovulation. This calculator estimates the fertile window as days 10–17 of a 28-day cycle (adjusted for your cycle length). For conception, timing intercourse in this window maximizes chances.

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When to See a Doctor

See your OB-GYN if: periods are consistently outside the 21–35 day range; you bleed for more than 7 days; your flow is extremely heavy (soaking a pad/tampon hourly for several hours); you experience severe cramping (dysmenorrhea); your period stops for 3+ months (amenorrhea) without pregnancy; or your cycle varies by more than 9 days month to month.

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Tracking Tips

Consistent tracking over 3+ months provides the most accurate predictions. Log: start date, end date, flow level, and any symptoms (cramping, mood changes, spotting). After 3 months, your average cycle length becomes clear. Stress, illness, significant weight changes, and new medications can all temporarily disrupt cycle regularity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Add your average cycle length to the first day of your last period to predict your next period. For a 28-day cycle: if your last period started May 1, your next period starts approximately May 29. For a 32-day cycle: June 2. Track your periods for 3+ months to establish your personal average cycle length -- most women vary by 1--3 days month to month. Apps and calculators like this one become more accurate with more tracked cycles.
A normal cycle is 21--35 days, with the average being 28 days. Only 13% of women have exactly 28-day cycles. Period duration: 2--7 days, average 5 days. Heavy flow typically lasts 2--3 days. Cycle-to-cycle variation of up to 9 days is considered normal. Consistently outside the 21--35 day range, or varying by more than 9 days, may indicate PCOS, thyroid issues, perimenopause, or other conditions worth discussing with a gynecologist.
Ovulation typically occurs 12--16 days BEFORE your next period (not 14 days after your last period as commonly stated). For a 28-day cycle: ovulation around day 14. For a 32-day cycle: around day 18. The fertile window is the 5 days before ovulation plus the day of ovulation (6 days total) -- because sperm can survive up to 5 days in the reproductive tract. An egg is viable for only 12--24 hours after release.
Common causes of late or missed periods (not pregnancy): significant weight gain or loss, intense exercise (especially endurance athletes), high stress (cortisol suppresses reproductive hormones), illness or significant life changes, perimenopause (age 40+), thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), certain medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics, hormonal treatments), and breastfeeding. A missed period with a negative pregnancy test warrants a conversation with your OB-GYN if it persists for 2+ cycles.

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